Longleng, May 1 (MExN): A Mega Legal Services Camp was organized by Nagaland State Legal Service Authority, Longleng District Legal Service Authority in collaboration with Government Departments, Stake holder and NGOs at Longleng on May 1.
Through this Mega Legal Service Camp, 1302 beneficiaries were aided and benefitted. Approximately, 25 Departments set up their booths and rendered their services to the beneficiaries. It is the first occasion where the various Government Departments have come together under one umbrella to provide services and benefits to the public.
Delivering the welcome address, Tucuno Vamuzo, CJM and Secretary LDLSA said that this was the first Mega Legal Service Camp in Longleng and it coincides with International Labour day.
Delivering a short speech, John Tsulise Sangtam, DC Longleng District, exhorted the public on the importance to know legal rights and service available. He lamented that the State and Central government provides different schemes, however many are not aware on how to avail the benefits of such schemes. Sangtam said that therefore, the Legal Services camp will show the public on how to avail.
Delivering inaugural speech, Mezivolu T. Therieh, Member secretary NSLSA urged the people to come forward with their problems to the front office of the District Court building and cited different examples of rape victims and victims of natural disasters and how legal service can be provided to help them receive compensation for their loss.
She said that there are various Government schemes and benefit are available however the procedure to avail those is unknown to many.
She therefore, encouraged visiting the stalls and seeing what schemes are available for them. She said that camp is not the end but the beginning to get what is entitled to you, as everything starts with knowing your rights and entitlements. She also assured that the legal service authority will strive to provide all assistance even after this camp is over.
During the camp, Dr. Atha Vizo Disability Commissioner stressed on the importance of Medical Disability certificate. He pointed out that in a study conducted in 2011 it was revealed that nearly 30,000 persons of Nagaland are disabled persons.
Dr. Atha reflected on the issues of disabled persons and their ill treatment in certain cases where they are denied admissions into certain schools because of their disability. He expressed concern on the social conditions of Persons with Disability and why their rights are not made known, and confined only to their homes and not allowed to step out.
Dr. Atha therefore, encouraged the gathering to allow PwDs to attend churches, school, take part in sports activities. He said that however, awareness is slowly taking place and people will gradually become aware of the plight of the Persons with Disabilities.
Dr. Atha said that with the gradual awareness taking place, 30 office buildings in Kohima are making provisions for disabled Persons by INSERT IGNOREing lifts, wheelchair provision.
T. Chubayanger, Project Officer of Labour Department briefed the beneficiaries of the various schemes and benefits that are available to them under the Labour Department and also urged the people to be honest and genuine in registering their names and to meet the criteria to be eligible to avail such schemes.
Imli Wati, SBI Deputy Manager from the Regional office in Mokokchung, briefed the villagers about the various welfare schemes available to them under SBI like coverage to a nominee in case of death, opening of zero balance account, etc. he also requested them to bring the required documents to avail and enjoy these benefits.
Vote of thanks was delivered by Akumla Longchari, State Coordinator. The inaugural session was chaired by Limasenla Longkumer, Legal Aid Counsel NSLSA and Legal Services Camp, in charge. The program started with a Prayer by Bea-U Phom, Pastor Phom Baptist church.
Meanwhile, the representatives of various departments from Nagaland Parent’s Association for the Disabled, Labour Department and SBI also delivered a short speech and brief the participants on the services provided under their Department.
